Kelly Read is urging Tasmanians to register for organ and tissue donations after a liver transplant saved her life.Source: News Limited

A HOBART mother of two has been given a second chance at life – and she is grabbing it with both hands.

Less than two years ago Kelly Read was told she had just two months to live but her life was saved by an organ donation.

To help other people in the same perilous situation, Mrs Read wants to encourage all Tasmanians not only to take the time to register as an organ donor but to discuss their decisions with family members.

“I feel it is my duty now to support organ donation, as well as live my life to the fullest,” she said.

“By discussing the issue with families it makes the decision far easier to make in the case of what is often a tragedy.”

Australia-wide last year just 391 people donated organs – and only eight of those were in Tasmania.

But for every person whose organs and tissue is donated, the lives of up to 10 people can be saved or improved forever.

That is why Mrs Read is helping promote that message during DonateLife Week.

Donate Life state medical director Andrew Turner said, “We are asking every Aust­ralian family to ask and know each other’s decisions about organ and tissue donation, so more people can go on and live their lives like Mrs Read.”

Mrs Read was diagnosed with Crohn's disease but medication she was prescribed severely damaged her liver after only two doses.

For nearly two years before her lifesaving donation, she used a wheelchair. Last weekend the 39-year-old ran in the Raw Challenge, last month participated in Run the Bridge with her two sons, and she attends bootcamp twice a week.

She has now returned to work as a nurse and takes every opportunity to spend time with her family.

“It was hardest on my kids and my husband. Now they take advantage of me being here as much as they can,” Mrs Read said.

“I owe it to my donor – and her family – to treasure this gift and take the best care of it that I possibly can.”

The final decision of organ and tissue donation lays with the family of a dead person and Mr Turner said if a discussion has been had, as well as registration, it makes it an easier choice in a time of grief.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are, your organs can be donated,” said Mrs Read.

Find out more about organ and tissue donation at www.donatelife.gov.au